1. What can I say if I wanted praise from
One whose virtues rise above all glory?

2. Lest I become an evildoer through it,
His virtues atone for my misdeeds.

3. I would not dare sing his praises,
Were it not for his clemency and gentleness.

4. But the forbearance of the gentle is to forgive
The stumbles of one whose stumbles exceeded.

5. If I present to him words not matching his essence,
With his palm he raises them, such is his habit.

6. A deep sea, still bestowing upon the world
The pearls of his words and his gifts.

7. As if the ancients live through him,
For he encompasses all praise.

8. The full moon of perfection, far from defect,
When his splendor appeared, so did his halo.

9. The honor of leadership in him grew loftier,
His glorious deeds raised his banners.

10. Virtue is his trait, and piety his mark,
Benevolence his emblem and his attributes.

11. He issues rulings that elude even the wise elders,
With his sharp mind and youthful vigor.

12. And God grants privilege to whom He chooses,
And by this distinction His approval shone.

13. If you wish to attain precedence in one
Of his virtues, you will fall short of his limits.

14. His pens are a pillar of faith,
With them the banners of glory fluttered.

15. His tongue strikes with truth all who stray,
Such is his eloquence and preaching.

16. When the morning has shone, the bleary-eyed
Cannot blame its prior darkness.

17. My faith in the Prophet's religion suffices me,
The Quran whose verses detail.

18. And the elucidation of a scholar, if it shone in darkness
Would erase its shadows.

19. His perfection, beauty, deeds,
Traits, subtleties, and attributes.

20. O Master, since the day we parted,
My eyes deserted Habeeb and slumber escaped him.

21. Our meetings were like the gulps of a bird
That found its eggs stolen.

22. He did not cure the burning longing
That kindled embers in my chest.

23. So when will he return, and between us lies
A tyrannous lifetime? When will his appointed time come?

24. O blessed is that hour, if only
It would come and the ailing man regained his life!

25. I still cling to your promise,
And if it tarries, fear not its loss.

26. Answers from you are hoped for as aid,
Lest the enemy realize his gloating.

27. For you, help for a lover is charity,
And truth with you bolsters its pillars.